Virtual reality gaming is in a very tough spot, with the platform struggling to grow an audience, which is coming at a very expensive cost, namely developers being laid off and projects being shut down. Over just the last few weeks, we've reported on the planned closures of Meta's Horizon Worlds VR and Rec Room, and also most recently, the "significant" layoffs affecting Polyarc Games, the makers of Moss.
"In the bleak midwinter," as they say. Or perhaps not... The creators of VRChat has published a statement amidst this turbulence to notify its fans about the current health of the game and how it "is not going anywhere."
The full statement explains the game is frequently smashing concurrent player records and its economy is thriving thanks to a bustling marketplace powered by the fans. Speaking about the fans, VRChat's founders explain the following.
"Our community is the thing that makes VRChat different from every platform that has come and gone. You create worlds that defy imagination. You build avatars that embody expression and identity in ways never seen before. You welcome strangers into your communities, make them feel at home, and often change their lives for the better.
"You show up, every single day, in numbers that keep growing -- and you bring your friends. The loyalty, creativity, ingenuity, passion, and energy you bring to VRChat is the heartbeat that no amount of funding can replicate."
To sign off this hopeful message, the developers note "we see what's happening in our industry, we're grateful to be in the position we're in, and we're not slowing down." So, there's some good news at least, VR players.